William Troy Dungan Jr. (born November 17, 1936), better known as Troy Dungan, was the former chief weather anchor at WFAA-TV in Dallas, Texas for 30 years.
Troy Dungan | |
|---|---|
| Born | William Troy Dungan Jr. November 17, 1936 |
| Education | National Engineering Science Company |
| Alma mater | Baylor University |
| Occupation(s) | Television; Weather |
| Years active | 1958-2013 |
| Known for | WFAA-TV Chief Meteorologist July 19, 1976-July 18, 2007 |
| Notable credits | |
| Title | Weather Anchor |
| Successor | Pete Delkus |
| Spouse | Janet Dungan |
| Children | Leah, Dana, and Wyn-Erin |
Dungan graduated from Baylor University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree. He received private meteorological training from the National Engineering Science Company in Houston while employed at KTRK-TV.[2]
Dungan began his career at KWTX-TV in Waco, Texas in 1958. After working in Orlando, KTRK-TV in Houston, then CBS O&O WCAU in Philadelphia, and then ABC O&O WXYZ-TV in Detroit—Dungan joined ABC affiliate, WFAA-TV, in Dallas as chief weather anchor on July 19, 1976. At WCAU he was the first weatherman to use the current 5-day forecast system. Before 1976, weather predictions were typically for a maximum of two days ahead.[3]
Since July 19, 2006, the day of Dungan's 30th anniversary with WFAA-TV, he presented the weather only during News 8 at Six, with Pete Delkus taking over his duties at News 8 at Five and The News 8 Update (10 p.m.). This was to facilitate the transition from Dungan to Delkus as chief meteorologist/weather anchor for WFAA-TV. Troy's last day was July 18, 2007.[4]
In 2014, he became a spokesperson for 50 Floor with the jingle: "Call 877 50-FLOOR. Pick up the phone, we'll be knocking at your door!"
Awards
editSince then he has been named the Best Television Weathercaster by the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters Association eight times. The Dallas Observer has named Dungan the Best Television Weathercaster five times. Dungan has also received the Knight of the Press Award, and special recognition from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association Research Flight Facility for his work on a documentary film dealing with the subject of hurricanes. The Dallas Press Club has also bestowed the Katie Award onto him.[2] During his last week as chief weather anchor, the National Weather Service gave Dungan an award for his service to the weather community.[citation needed]
Personal
editKnown for his trademark bow ties, Troy doesn't wear one on Thanksgiving. For reasons that are unknown, it is the only day of the year when he never wears a bow tie.[citation needed]
He started wearing bow ties in 1974 on WXYZ-TV after an ice-fishing story on Pontiac Lake.[5]
Dungan is currently the spokesman for 'Santa's Helpers', which provides thousands of toys to needy children throughout Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas.[2]
Dungan and wife Janet have three children; Leah, Dana, and Wyn-Erin.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ "Tracy Rowlett, Troy Dungan, others return for 'Texas Daily' | Star-Telegram.com". Archived from the original on 2012-09-15. Retrieved 2012-09-28.
- ^ a b c "Troy Dungan". Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas WFAA.com. Archived from the original on 2006-01-04. Retrieved 2006-07-08.
- ^ "Russ Bloxon's Where Are They Now?". DFW Radio/TV History. Archived from the original on 2013-09-28. Retrieved 2006-10-17.
- ^ "Troy's autumn years mean summer departure". Uncle Barky's Bytes. Archived from the original on 2006-11-23. Retrieved 2007-01-17.
- ^ "Bowing out". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Retrieved 2007-07-30. [dead link]